Georgia's largest city is home to a host of well-known attractions, including its storied aquarium, the famous World of Coca-Cola Museum, and the breathtaking Atlanta Botanical Garden.
Atlanta is noted for its bustling populated existence and is a sprawling mass of urbane landscapes that melt into welcoming suburbs.
However, some of the city's exceptional features are slightly less visible to the general public. With this crafted guide to the city's best lesser-known sites, you can examine the city from a more thoughtful angle to discover secret locales that are a little more off the beaten path.
1. East Palisades Trail
Hiking alongside Atlanta's most important river is a must, but taking the less-traveled route is highly satisfying. The section of the river that runs up into the northeast Atlanta suburb of Vinings is secluded and quiet.
The East Palisades trail has well-marked trails, a dog-friendly setting, riverside walkways, and even a few good spots for rock climbing. There are also many high overlooks along the hike and a small bamboo forest.
Atlanta is one of the greenest big cities in the United States, so spend your time there the right way: outside.
2. Davidson-Arabia Nature Preserve
Rather than visiting Georgia's most-visited destination, the infamous Stone Mountain, plan a trip to Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, where you can explore the 2,250-acre Davidson-Arabia Nature Preserve for free.
It is a great secret gem in the Atlanta region, with various natural wonders as well as hiking and biking opportunities.
3. Panola Mountain State Park
The Davidson-Arabia Nature Preserve is next to Panola Mountain State Park.
Travelers will admire the biodiversity of the pristine area for a low admission fee of $5; there are thirty miles of lined hiking trails and astounding special activities, including tree-climbing courses and tree camping.
Archery and bouldering are two other activities available in the town.
4. Centennial Olympic Games Museum
In this immersive show organized by the Atlanta History Center, you will relive the sweltering Atlanta summer of 1996. The 17-day incident forever altered the area, and while some may have forgotten about it, this lesser-known museum show is a real Atlanta highlight.
The museum takes visitors on a journey through history. It includes the beginnings of the Olympic process, the illumination of the Olympic torch, and much more.
A special video show recaps the games in-depth, highlighting Atlanta's involvement in the monumental event.
5. The Learning Kitchen
The Learning Kitchen is one of Atlanta's secret treasures, tucked within the century-old Sweet Auburn Curb Market on Edgewood Avenue, which is lined with small restaurant kiosks and wholesale meats and vegetables.
The open-plan kitchen was to help conserve the culinary arts by hosting classes and workshops that teach skills such as canning, curing, bread baking, fermentation, and cheesemaking.
The shop also offers small-batch merchandise and equipment, and it hosts monthly pop-ups such as The Plate Sale, which is hosted by renowned Staplehouse chef Mike Sheats and his mixologist partner, Shyretha.
6. Himitsu
The name of this upscale cocktail lounge means "hidden" in Japanese, which is appropriate since the whole Himitsu atmosphere exudes a sense of enigmatic exclusivity.
The spot, hidden behind a fake bookstore in Buckhead, can only be accessed with a reservation, which you'll gain entry to by typing a secret code into a keypad.
Within is a swanky Tokyo-style grotto inspired by Omotenashi culture and outfitted with original art and plate ware. Sushi, small bites, and Japanese drinks from mixology master Shingo Gokan, who recently received Tales of the Cocktail's prestigious International Bartender of the Year contest, are on the menu.
7. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center:
The Callanwolde Fine Arts Center in Atlanta's dreamy Druid Hills neighborhood is another wonderful lesser-known gem. Since the arts center is only a 20-minute drive from downtown Atlanta and is in a residential neighborhood, it is mostly overlooked by visitors.
However, the arts center has one of the South's biggest pottery programs and holds fun group activities including, Jazz on the Lawn in its on-site amphitheater. If you're visiting during the summer, try to catch a Jazz on the Lawn show on a Friday evening; tickets start at $25.
There's also a historic Aeolian organ on the premises. All of these delightful services and features are located on 12 acres of land at the Coca-Cola founder's palatial estate. Callanwolde is a registered charity that calls itself a neighborhood arts conservatory. Its mission is to preserve, rebuild, and improve the Callanwolde Estate and be the premier public arts and cultural center.
8. Chattahoochee Diving:
This cliff, also known as 'The Diving Rock,' looms above the Chattahoochee River and is a bit something like a hidden gem. The lovely scenery and lush, green surroundings are soothing additions to an otherwise ideal summertime scene.
If you wish to leap off the rock, exercise caution because diving can be risky. Aside from diving, the cliff is an ideal getaway spot inside the lively community, which can be daunting with its bustling traffic and urban hustle. Fortunately, this location offers a convenient; but secluded; backdrop to the city scene.
When you are in Atlanta, do visit these places for a good time. The city is the cultural and economic base of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which has over six million inhabitants and
is the ninth-largest cosmopolitan area in the United States.
You will surely make great memories with your friends, family, and loved ones. These lesser-known places have already brought joy to many people, so be sure to have a great time there.